‘Around the World in 80 Days’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33442, 25 January 1974, Page 20

‘Around the World in 80 Days’

“Around the World in 80 Days,” by Jules Verne; adapted by Eve Hughes and directed by Hunter Bell for Elmwood Players; Jellie Park, January 24 to February 2; running time: 9.00 p.m. to 10.50 p.m.

The past/ 15 months has seen a good deal of theatre on the grand scale (largely at the James Hay Theatre) but Elmwood’s Games Arts Festival production shames more widely publicised efforts in the creation of spectacular effects.

The natural bowl and stage provided on the Jellie Park lakeside has been converted into a large and yet cosily sheltered auditorium, and an expansive set for proficient actors and incredible machinery. Phileas Fogg’s famous genteel sprint around the world is faithfully reproduced: every' mode of transportation is not only shown but delightfully boarded and manoeuvred. Numerous water craft, from gondolas to ocean liners are credibly ■represented; there is a train, a hedge-hopping balloon, railway jigger and even a stifflyImobile elephant. i The script seems to be an excellent one — although it was often lost on an audience agog at gadgets and impressive effects. Some of the minor actors, and even the rrtore major on occasion, ruin some excellent lines and

potentially fine characterisations, a surprising failing in a recorded sound track.

Both actors and technical staff handle the very clear soundtrack with ease; only a few visually dead moments and inappropriately small gestures spoil the allusion.

While the devices really! carry this show, one. became; aware, in the quieter' moments, of some fine acting; [from the leads. | Robin Queree’s Fogg is; | excellently calm and resolved! in both voice and appearance. This was a performance almost without fault and one which was perfectly moulded into the over-all production. Fogg’s valet, Passepartout, comes over as a lively, bounding contrast in the hands of Peter Hart. He manages to maintain a sparkling pace in this most important role. The determined and bumptious detective, Mr Fix, is played by David Warwick who has recorded a sound track worthy of Sid James. This role is visually more successful than others Mr Warwick has attempted. Drina Hearfield is a finely ! ! beautiful and demure Mrs! Aouda, and the huge cast; who between them fill the ■ other 70 parts generally per-! form most creditably. Visually only a glimmer in; the trees. Derek Goodman and Derry’s Brass Band provided very carefully chosen and tastefully arranged music. There were apparently a few cold cornets on the first night, but never a cue was missed—not even the call to retrieve an ailing train. The amazing thing about the opening night is that this train incident was the only blemish in an evening memorable for an extraordinary audacity which achieved its aim. —W.H.L.